Passersby come to aid of elderly Vernon woman during attempted carjacking

A suspect was arrested in Vernon this morning for allegedly assaulting an elderly woman while trying to steal her vehicle.

Officers were called to a business in the 2200 block of 58 Avenue in Vernon shortly before 10 a.m., Nov. 23, according to an RCMP media release. 

An 81-year old woman was loading her vehicle when the suspect allegedly pushed her before getting into her vehicle to try steal it.

Two people nearby confronted the man after they heard the victim call for help. The suspect fled on foot, but the witnesses followed him and showed the responding officers where he could be found. 

"A heartfelt thank you goes out to the individuals who came to the assistance of the victim and assisted our officers in apprehending the person responsible for this despicable act," Vernon North Okanagan RCMP spokesperson Const. Chris Terleski said in the release. 

"The victim, although not physically injured, was certainly impacted by the whole ordeal."

The suspect, a 49-year old Ontario man, remains in police custody and the investigation is ongoing.

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